Rich Archbold: Jenni Rivera teamed up with Long Beach nonprofit

Angel Macias and Mexican-American music superstar Jenni Rivera, who was killed in a tragic plane crash Dec. 9, never met face-to-face, but they knew each other well.

The common bond between them was their passion to help women and children who were survivors of domestic violence.

Nine years ago, Macias founded California Families in Focus, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help families struggling to break free of abuse, both physical and mental. CFF has worked with many women's shelters during that time.

The centerpiece of CFF's fundraising efforts throughout the year is the Spirit of Christmas Brunch that will be held today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Gaslamp Restaurant, 6251 E. Pacific Coast Highway.

Macias said this year's brunch, which will serve more than 700 children and families, will have an extra special and poignant meaning because of the involvement of the Jenni Rivera Love Foundation.

"She has sent us a van filled with women's pajamas and slippers," Macias said. "This touched me so much. Last year she sent us a van filled with toys for the children."

Macias said she has always admired Rivera for her outspoken support of women wounded by domestic violence. And she said they had several things in common.

"We both suffered through domestic violence," she said. "We both had babies when we were 15, and we were born in the same year (1969, Rivera in July and Macias in November)."

Macias also knew members of Rivera's family. While a health education teacher at Millikan High School, Macias came in contact with sisters Nancy and Cynthia Saveedra, who were students and cousins of Rivera.

Macias had a rough life growing up in a gang-infested area in Los Angeles.

"I hung around with gang members," she said. "I was running wild in the streets. I was young and irresponsible. My friends were getting shot and going to prison. I thought I'd die in Culver City."

Macias moved to Long Beach but discovered that living with one particular man was a nightmare.

"There was terrible abuse, and I just had to get out of that relationship, but it took seven years," she said.

Macias has four daughters from three different men.

"I've learned a lot from these relationships, and my mission now is to try to help others avoid the traps I fell into," she said.

Her first job was working at the Long Beach Health Department helping young Latinas with health education. She later worked at St. Mary Medical Center, helping young women learn how to be good mothers and to raise their self-esteem.

Macias created California Families in Focus with special emphasis on mentoring youths through health programs, gang prevention workshops and leadership development.

"We want young people to reach their full potential by raising their self-esteem and empowering them to do their best," she said.

And that's why she reached out to Jenni Rivera.

"She had the same kind of compassion for families that needed help," Macias said. "I finally got a call from Jack Flores, one of her staff members, who said Jenni was touched by what we were doing and wanted to help. We were kind of mirrors of each other."

That led to Rivera donating toys last year and the pajamas and slippers this year.

"Working with Jack and the Jenni Rivera Love Foundation has been such an honor," Macias said.

This year's Christmas Brunch will benefit the women and children living at the Women's Shelter of Long Beach, Tarzana Treatment Center and Woman to Woman.

In addition to their many volunteers helping out, Macias said they also are expecting some 400 motorcycle riders from the California Riders Coalition bringing toys to the children today.

California Families in Focus also will present the coveted Angel Award to the Jenni Rivera family in memory of Rivera.

Macias said she was planning to meet Rivera in person when they could work out their schedules.

"Then this tragic plane crash happened and she was taken from us, but I know she will be with us in spirit (today)," Macias said.